A+ School of Excellence Archive

"Greenway High School stands out as a beacon of community-oriented education, where the care for students and staff extends beyond academics to encompass their educational, physical, and emotional well-being. The school actively fosters an inclusive environment through various community programs that cater to the diverse needs of all students on campus. With over 80% student involvement in clubs and activities, Greenway encourages participation and engagement, allowing students to explore their interests and develop essential skills for the future. This commitment to nurturing a supportive culture is reflected in the mutual respect and kindness exhibited by both students and staff, creating a positive atmosphere that enhances learning and personal growth.

Another remarkable aspect of Greenway High School is its strong alumni presence. More than 20 former students have returned to teach, demonstrating a deep-rooted connection to the school and a passion for giving back to the community that shaped them. This enriches current students' educational experience and fosters a sense of continuity and tradition within the school. Greenway High School exemplifies a collaborative environment where respect, kindness, and community spirit thrive, making it an exceptional place for students to learn and grow."

Washington High School has earned an A+ School of Excellence designation based on their academic performance, student and community engagement, and the culture of their Ramily. Washington has earned a letter grade of an ‘A’ by the ADE for the 2021-2022 school year. You will find that a majority of their students participate in nearly 60 clubs and 20 sports, which creates ownership and pride in their school community. Washington students and staff are active members in their community supporting multiple organizations. Washington High School has a majority of their staff working at the school for more than 5 years. Additionally, Many of the families have attended WHS for multiple generations. All of this and more make WHS a highly sought after place for students, staff and families to be.

-Approximately 80% of the student population are engaged in an extracurricular activity. Student engagement with extracurricular activities
- Staff support in clubs, athletics, and the arts; providing over 60 options for student interest groups and clubs, 15+ sports, and performances throughout the year. Staff involvement-clubs, athletics-on campus coaches, arts
- Community within school and outside community- support each other
- RAM Center-After school academic and additional supports

Oak Tree Elementary is an exemplary PreK-6 Elementary school where the staff works as a team to love and respect each child for their individuality. Mr. Lunt is a visionary principal who leads a group of dedicated educators to embrace ongoing professional development to best serve their students. The support staff at Oak Tree is overwhelmingly kind and child-focused; they work to complete a whole circle of care and safety for each child. Parents are welcomed as part of the family. They embrace the unique offerings to enrich the educational experience. Community members choose Oak Tree for volunteer opportunities. But the heart and soul of Oak Tree are its amazing kids! Students LOVE coming to school to learn and form life-long relationships that propel them toward a bright future.

Students cannot stop naming ""favorite"" events and opportunities provided to them by Oak Tree. From SOAR assemblies to Oak-toberfest to Reading Under the Stars, this school community goes above and beyond to engage their families throughout the school year.

The PTO and volunteer groups are thriving. Parents are lined up to contribute in a variety of ways. The school seems fully staffed with adults who are the ""right fit"" and who demonstrate true compassion for younger children. Even folks without children at the school are motivated to return year after year to support the school's mission.

Parents, teachers and support staff demonstrate a true working knowledge of trauma-informed support. Families choose Oak Tree after other schools have failed to embrace their students who had unfortunately experienced trauma in their younger years. The Special Education department is unbelievably skilled at meeting the needs of their unique learners. Students, parents and staff understand and embrace the vulnerable ESAP population - a true testament to Oak Tree's culture of embracing all.

Most importantly, Mr. Lunt, a TEN YEAR principal of Oak Tree, has the right people on his bus. He is skilled at finding the right folks in the right positions and at finding innovative ways to engage his leadership groups to meet the needs of the school. He is a receptive, flexible, heart-felt leader and his community knows it. His open-door policy was highlighted again and again during interviews. Well done!

Ashland ranch has an amazing culture of excellence. Every staff member is dedicated to doing what is best for kids. You can feel the welcoming environment as soon as you step through the door. Teacher are committed to meeting students where they are and pushing them to meet their highest potential.

"The A+ Judging team enthusiastically recommends Boulder Creek Elementary School for the A+ School of Excellence recognition. During the visit, it was clear through observing students and teachers in and out of the classrooms, meeting with the teachers, parents, classified staff and students that Boulder Creek displays EXCELLENCE in all they do with a WELCOMING, COMMUNITY and POSITIVE CULTURE that embraces all learners and members of the school community.

The RELENTLESS commitment to student learning and focus on DATA through PLCs, the way the community has EMBRACED “All Things EQ” and the EQ Ambassadors, along with the variety of special programs on their campus (ESAP, Building Blocks (preschool) and Medically Fragile classrooms) their high standards of EXCELLENCE, and dedication to CONSISTENCY and COLLABORATION to ensure every student is VALUED and INCLUDED are a few pieces of evidence highlighting why Boulder Creek is deserving of the A+ School of Excellence label.From the moment the judging team entered campus, we felt WELCOMED, INCLUDED and a part of the Boulder Creek COMMUNITY. The POSITIVE culture and PASSION of the Boulder Creek FAMILY, permeates the campus and the judges were able to sense that students all felt VALUED, LOVED and CARED about. Sixth grade students and the EQ Ambassadors, along with teachers and staff MODELED expectations across campus. Visiting classrooms, the judges saw evidence of HIGH EXPECTATIONS, a FOCUS and COMMITMENT on the “Culture for Learning” and saw students engaged and INVOLVED in the learning. COLLABORATION as a TEAM was evident across classrooms as PURPOSEFUL lessons, aligned and RIGOROUS LEARNING activities engaged students of all different skills and abilities, through both Walk up to Math for enrichment and interventions in both ELA and Math. Multiple adults were on campus and in classrooms to support and differentiate for student access to the learning. Between a team of teachers and support paraprofessionals, students moved fluidly between classes for Walk Up to Math, Walk to Math and Walk to Read (Intervention) and every member of the team was DEDICATED to utilizing student data to ensure UNDERSTANDING of the standards by students during intervention time.

The Boulder Creek A+ Application reads that, “Jim Leeper is a leader with a clear vision for delivering the best education to our students. His educational philosophy centers on collective teacher efficacy and is deeply rooted in our Culture for Learning principles and our Culture for Learning has been our roadmap for success,” and the judging team saw evidence of how the teachers and principal use the Culture for Learning to drive decisions and actions in the best interest of students at Boulder Creek. All classrooms visited had “I Can” learning targets posted and teachers frequently communicated to students the purpose and goals of the learning. During the teacher and classified team meetings, over and over the judges heard about the importance of DATA based decisions and how data is used to guide instruction and make decisions. Both teachers and Mr. Leeper stated how PLC Wednesdays are a priority for ensuring continued GROWTH of ALL students. During the administration meeting, Mr. Leeper even pointed and referenced how the Culture for Learning drives the day to day decisions that happen at the school. During both the teacher meeting and classified team meeting, the judges heard multiple times how Mr. Leeper is what has made the difference at Boulder Creek and pushed them to an A status rating and the A+ application process. One teacher shared, “Mr. Leeper is amazing. His expectations are high but we all want to go above them. Anyone can take issues to him and know that he will be helpful and want to solve problems"

"Campo Verde High School is deserving of the A+ distinction because it authentically lives its mission of “Every person, every day.” This commitment is evident in the school’s intentional approach to academics and its refusal to remain complacent despite already being a strong presence in the East Valley. Campo Verde continues to grow, reflect, and evolve—always ready to make thoughtful changes in the best interest of students. The culture on campus is one of true inclusion, family, and safety in every sense of the word, creating an environment where students feel known, valued, and supported. With systems intentionally designed to ensure all students can succeed, decisions are consistently guided by what is best for kids. Campo Verde is not defined by brick and mortar, but by a feeling—a sense of belonging and purpose that permeates every aspect of the school community.

Equally deserving of recognition is Campo Verde’s people-centered approach and strong leadership development. The wide variety of programs, including a standout Performing Arts Program, ensures there is truly something for everyone, allowing students to discover and develop their passions. Leadership is cultivated through intentional coaching models that build capacity, encourage creativity, and foster innovation in decision-making. Administrators are supportive, open to dialogue, and unafraid of engaging in tough but necessary conversations. A strong understanding of data drives instructional practices, ensuring continuous improvement and meaningful outcomes for students. Advocacy at the district level extends Campo Verde’s positive impact beyond its own campus, benefiting the greater community. Grounded in the 3 R’s and guided by a shared belief in doing what is right for students, Campo Verde High School exemplifies excellence and is highly deserving of the A+ distinction."